City vs city
Bakersfield, CA vs Wichita, KS
- Rent is 51% lower in Wichita (median $975/mo vs $1,472/mo in Bakersfield).
- Homes cost 95% less in Wichita ($191k vs $372k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $460 more a month after taxes and rent in Wichita.
- Schools rate higher in Wichita (2.1/10 vs 1.3/10).
- Bakersfield has less violent crime (5 vs 12.1 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Bakersfield has milder winters (49°F vs 33°F average).
- Bakersfield gets more sun (272 vs 229 sunny days a year).
| Bakersfield | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,472/mo | $975/mo |
| Median home value | $372k | $191k |
| Median household income | $81k | $65k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,416 | $3,876 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.3/10 | 2.1/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.4× the US rate | 3.4× the US rate |
| Summer average | 98°F | 93°F |
| Winter average | 49°F | 33°F |
| Sunny days a year | 272 | 229 |
| Walk score | 35 | 38 |
| Population | 411,986 | 397,945 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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